In 2005 this was the first area in England to be included in the European Charter for Sustainable Tourism in Protected Areas. This celebrated the Forest of Bowland Area of Outstanding Natural Beauty's work in championing environmentally friendly tourism while still supporting the local economy.
This is a timeless place, with huge skies, rugged moors, granite farms and cottages clinging to the ancient landscape. The AONB comprises 803 square kilometres, spread over Lancashire and North Yorkshire, around Pendle Hill and the River Ribble. With so much unspoilt landscape, there’s plenty of wildlife and birds like the protected hen harrier are at home amidst the heather.
Explore this wild and windswept region with its abandoned lime kilns, quarries and sawmills. Place names here have direct links to Saxon and Norse times, and even the fields still show signs of cultivation from centuries ago. It’s like a window looking back in time to another world.
Top Forest of Bowland AONB Camping Options
The pretty, tree-lined approach to Riverside leads into an attractive park, owned by the Marshall family since the late 1960s. Nestling in beautiful countryside, alongside the River Wenning, the park has easy access to the Yorkshire Dales and the Lake District. For touring units there are 12 fully serviced pitches, 15 on hardstanding and 30 grass pitches. All have 16A electricity and TV hook-ups. An area has been developed for 50 seasonal pitches on gravel. Located away from the touring area are 206 privately owned holiday homes. Tents are not accepted. The smart reception building includes a small shop selling caravan accessories.
Bridge House Marina Caravan Park is a family-owned and family-run site, located on the banks of the Picturesque Lancaster canal, which is ideal for long summer walks along the towpath or whiling away a few hours fishing from the canal bank. As the site is nestled happily between the Market town of Garstang and the village of Nateby. You can reach it easily from the M6 motorway, making it perfectly placed to visit the rest of Lancashire, The Fylde Coast Resorts like Blackpool, Fleetwood and Morecambe, The Lake District and South Cumbria and the Yorkshire Dales. The site is situated on the outskirts of the historic Market town of Garstang which is home to some very nice country pubs and restaurants. It is also host to a growing variety of fantastic local country shows, fayres and events throughout the year. The site has 50 touring pitches with electric hook-up points. There are also 43 privately owned mobile homes.
Beacon Fell View commands a beautiful view across the Ribble Valley. There are a total of 438 pitches, 75 for tourers, all with 10A electricity. All the touring pitches are on hardstanding and are terraced in rows to make the most of the spectacular views of the valley. The reception area is very friendly and welcoming, with all the facilities that you require for a relaxing holiday. There is a fitness facility with rowing machine, multi-gym, treadmill and bikes.
In a very attractive setting, this park is located in the heart of the Yorkshire Dales, the whole area a paradise for hill-walking, fishing and pot-holing, and it has outstanding scenery. The camping area is on slightly sloping grass, sheltered by mature woodland. There are 100 touring pitches (20 are seasonal), 60 with 16A electricity and water and 25 with hardstanding. A separate area contains 66 privately owned caravan holiday homes.
